Agenda item

To receive written updates from Executive Members and deal with questions and answers arising therefrom

Question in relation to the update of the Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for Education and Culture – Councillor Storey.

 

Councillor Hubbard on Inclusion.

 

The Deputy Mayor stated that there was a good range of specialist provision across Middlesbrough which included: early years, outreach, inclusion and assessment provision, a number of special schools, resource and registered alternate provision.  The Council had applied to the Department for Education (DFE) for approval to open a new special school at Stainsby Road.   The Deputy Mayor acknowledged that SEND was a national issue and explained that the Council was awaiting the publication of the Government’s School White Paper and the SEND Reforms which had been due in the autumn but had now been delayed until spring 2026. 

 

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Adult Social Care – Councillor Rostron.

 

Councillor Morrish on Homelessness.

 

The Executive Member agreed with the Councillor’s comments in relation to the Council’s caring, committed and hard working Homelessness Team.  In relation to the accuracy of the recent count of homeless in Middlesbrough, the Executive Member commented that the Team often picked up information on rough sleepers from other people who were sleeping rough.  The Executive Member stated that it was not possible to say whether the numbers were properly accurate and that she would ask the Team whether they had any information on people who were sofa surfing rather than rough sleeping.  With regard to providing accommodation for all those who were homeless in Middlesbrough, the Executive Member confirmed that this was possible.  However, some people did not want to be accommodated and refused to engage or accept support.  The Homelessness Team were persistent and visited rough sleepers weekly to continue to offer help and support.

 

The Mayor added that annual rough sleepers count did not include anyone who was on the waiting list for accommodation or sofa surfing.  The Government Definition for was the count was those people that were bedded down.  Therefore, in the Mayor’s opinion, the numbers could not be relied upon to be wholly accurate, although thankfully they were decreasing.  The Mayor commented that it was difficult to say that the Council could house everyone every time as people had different needs and for example,  some homes might require adaptations to make them suitable.  There were however, approximately 2000 empty properties in Middlesbrough that needed to be brought back into use to ensure that everyone had a home.

 

Councillor Morrish on Veterans Community Initiative.

 

The Executive Member agreed with Councillor Morrish that the Veterans and Armed Forces Community Club set up by Linda Ford and others was very important.  The Executive Member added that whilst she was not aware how many Councillors had helped with this initiative, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion had been involved.  The Executive Member commented that when leaving the Armed Forces, veterans returning to their home town often found that people they knew previously were no longer there or they had lost touch with them.  It was important that there was a supportive community available to them.  The Executive Member noted the suggestion by Councillor Morrish that the Clubs should be rolled out to other areas of the town in addition to central Middlesbrough.

 

Questions in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Children’s Services – Councillor Henman.

 

Councillor Uddin on School Attendance for Children in Care.

 

The Executive Member agreed that the 78.5% attendance figure for children in care, who were Key Stage 4 pupils, attending school since the start of the school year was too low.   This was an important issue for the Virtual School Head, the Virtual School Governing Body, and at the top of the Executive Member’s Update.  A lot of work was taking place to support young people to stay in school including an Engagement Hub for Key Stage 4 pupils.  Education, Social Care and Health were working together to provide support as well as emotionally available adults in schools who built relationships with young people who were at risk of poor attendance.  The Council endeavoured to wrap support around young people to ensure they received the education they deserved.

 

Councillor Clynch on Giving Young People the Best Start

 

The Executive Member stated that the lifting of the two child benefit cap would have a huge impact in Middlesbrough and he was thrilled to hear the Chancellor’s announcement today.  The Executive Member went on to comment that under the cap, 70,000 children in the region had been driven into poverty.  The lifting of the cap would have a massive impact on children and on some of the work that Middlesbrough Council was doing in relation to issues such as safeguarding, early help and the Mayor’s 10 x 10 initiative.

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Development – Councillor Furness.

 

Councillor Morrish on Nunthorpe Community Centre.

 

The Executive Member explained that the issues raised by Councillor Morrish did not fall within his remit and were being dealt with by Officers which was the appropriate route for them at the current time.   The Executive Member invited Councillor Morrish to email him with the details that he wished to discuss about the Nunthorpe Community Centre and he would be willing to meet with him.  The Executive Member also stated that the new Community Centre was long overdue and he was looking forward to the building being available for Nunthorpe residents.  Councillor Morrish agreed with the Executive Member’s comments in respect of the Community Centre being long overdue and undertook to email him as suggested.

 

Councillor Branson on Coulby Newham Neighbourhood Plan Referendum.

 

The Executive Member was unable to confirm the date of the Referendum.  The Executive Member added his thanks to Councillor Branson and Council Officers who had contributed to the Neighbourhood Plan.  Middlesbrough Council was proud to be facilitating the development of new homes for the residents of the town.

 

It was highlighted that during his response, the Executive Member had referred to Newham Hall being in Coulby Newham Ward which was incorrect as Newham Hall was in Marton West Ward.  The Executive Member clarified that he was referring to the Newham Hall Development, rather than the Hall itself. 

 

 

Question in relation to the update of the Executive Member for Environment – Councillor Gavigan.

 

Councillor Morrish on Marton Interchange Overbridge.

 

The Executive Member explained that the main contractor for the project had been selected and was due to commence work in March 2026.  Works to be carried out included installation of a vehicle restraint system, installation of suicide prevention structures, renewal of waterproofing, re-surfacing and lining.  The duration of works was expected to be 26 weeks. Residents would be informed of forthcoming activity via letters, advance notice boards, variable message boards and press releases.  Unfortunately the project had taken longer to arrange than would have been preferred due to contractual issues.